Zurich’s Secret: Its Compelling Museums

Zurich’s Secret: Its Compelling Museums

Here’s a question for you. What comes to mind when you think about Zurich? Is it gorgeous Lake Zurich and its lovely lakefront? Or, is it the views of the Alps from downtown? Or, maybe it’s the discreet world of insurance and high finance?

Chances are you won’t think right away about Zurich’s museums. But the city offers some world-class exhibit spaces that are well worth a visit.

Kunsthaus Zurich (Museum of Fine Arts)

To see the full sweep of European art, check out the Kunsthaus Zurich. There, you’ll find plenty of paintings and sculptures from old masters to modern classics in some lovely galleries.

In addition to works from the Middle Ages, you’ll find paintings by Picasso, Monet, and Chagall as well as contemporary Swiss artists.

"View to Infinity" mural, Ferdinand Hodler, 1916

Ferdinand Hodler

Above all, the Kunsthaus is a perfect place to get to know Swiss art. Even if you don’t know this genre, you’ll find lots to like.

One of my favorite Swiss artists is Ferdinand Hodler. In particular, I’m a big fan of his larger-than-life murals. For instance, the mural below shows a man preaching about the teachings of Martin Luther during the Reformation.

"Unanimity" mural, Ferdinand Holder, 1913

Alberto and Augusto Giacometti

The Kunsthaus also holds the works of many other Swiss artists. For me, it’s always a joy to see the “stick-figure” sculptures of Alberto Giacometti.

Alberto Giacometti is one of the famous Giacometti dynasty of artists from Stampa, in southern Switzerland.

Also, Augusto Giacometti, a cousin of Alberto’s father, was a gifted artist. Notably, he created a stained glass window for the Fraumünster Church in Zurich.

Sculpture, Alberto Giacometti

Swiss National Museum

For surprising insights into Swiss history and culture, check out the Landesmuseum Zurich (Swiss National Museum). Through its many fine displays, you’ll learn a lot about how Switzerland has become the modern country it is today.

External view of the Swiss National Museum

Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll enjoy the exhibits here.

For instance, during World War II, Switzerland was officially a “neutral” nation. But even before the war, due to its economic ties to Germany, the Swiss government ordered some censorship measures to “please” the Germans.

Despite the risks at the time, the anti-fascist Cabaret Cornichon (“pickled cucumber”) staged satirical plays in Zurich mocking the Nazis during the 1930s.

Below, Elsie Attenhofer, one of the members of Cabaret Cornichon, is shown in a video still image.

Elsie Attenhofer of the anti-fascist Cabaret Cornichon

Finally, you must see the vintage Swiss travel posters on display. Emil Cardinaux created the first “modern” Swiss travel poster, “The Matterhorn,” in 1908. In fact, the Swiss are well known for their travel posters promoting Swiss ski resorts, spas, and outdoor wonders.

Swiss travel posters

Museum Haus Konstruktiv (Constructivist Museum)

If you want to see some rare modern art and design, go visit the Museum Haus Konstruktiv. Just outside of the financial district, it fills a funky space inside an old electric power sub-station.

Constructivism is a modern art movement that dates back to the early 20th century in Russia. As part of this movement, artists ‘construct’ many of their works from building materials, like concrete.

Museum Haus Konstruktiv, Photo: Peter Baracchi

Also, the works often include abstract geometric patterns. Pictured here is Claudia Comte’s “Eye to Eye”, which she designed for the museum’s cafe. Believe it or not, the eyes are inspired by Warner Brothers “Road Runner” cartoon characters.

Eye to Eye, Claudia Comte, Photo: Stefan Altenburger

The Rockefeller Dining Room from 1963/64 is a permanent installation and one of the highlights of the museum’s collection. Originally, the Swiss artist Fritz Glarner created the dining room in New York for the Rockefellers.

In 1987, the family put the dining room on sale as a single piece of art. After restoration, it found a permanent home at the Constructivist Museum. It’s a rare example of “concrete” interior design.

Fraumünster Church

Though it’s not a museum, the Fraumünster Church houses stunning stained glass windows by two well-known artists, Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti.

Not surprisingly, the Chagall windows receive lots of attention. Set up as a series, the five windows depict Biblical and Christian stories in vivid colors. But don’t miss the big stained glass window by Augusto Giacometti.

Near Zurich

From Zurich, you can easily get to all parts of Switzerland. In particular, you can take a scenic train ride to the Upper Engadine along the border with Italy. There, you’ll find lots of skiing and hiking and a distinct local culture.

About Sandi

I'm Sandi, founder of the website, The Artful Passport. I help travelers plan custom itineraries in Europe by sharing my experiences there and offering insights about Europe’s culture, nature, gastronomy and people.